Star speedster Dale Steyn has been ruled out for four to six weeks after suffering what has been described as a "freakish" heel injury in his comeback Test. The top end of that timeframe would leave Steyn with little time to build match practice before the first Test starting on March 1.

While South Africa's doctors say his injury is not related to a lack of match conditioning, it is nevertheless a sober reminder to Cricket Australia's medical staff as it maps out a program for gun trio Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.

The three pace aces are set for a rest after the Ashes and are unlikely to play in all five one-day internationals against England later this month.

Starc was ruled out of the Boxing Day Test after bruising his heel in Perth. The wisdom of that call was vindicated when bowlers from both sides toiled with little success on an unforgiving MCG pitch rated "poor" by the International Cricket Council.

Steyn hurt his plantar fascia after landing awkwardly in foot holes in the first Test against India. His injury appears more serious than Starc's.

"Dale landed awkwardly in foot-holes during his delivery stride in his 18th over today. This caused a significant strain to the foot, leading to tissue damage on the underside of the foot in the heel area," Proteas team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee said.

"He is unlikely to bowl further in this Test match because the recovery period could be anything from four to six weeks, which means he is likely to miss the remainder of the series against India.

"It's where the tissue attaches to the heel - the bone is called the calcaneus, the tissue is called the plantar fascia - that's where he's damaged.

"At the moment it's quite tender and extremely uncomfortable to run."

The Proteas great was due to see one of South Africa's leading foot surgeons on Sunday to determine the best course of treatment.

Steyn was playing in his first Test since undergoing shoulder surgery for an injury he suffered in Perth last season.

"It's important to note that this unfortunate injury was freakish because of the way the foot landed in the foot-holes and it is no way related to his bowling loads or not being match ready," Moosajee said.

Steyn's injury will stretch South Africa's pace stocks with three Tests against the top-ranked India followed by four against Steve Smith's buoyant team.

The Proteas were well served by Kyle Abbott during their rout of Australia last summer but he has retired from international cricket to take a Kolpak deal to play county cricket in England.

Australia's batsmen, however, will face a sterner test from young gun Kagiso Rabada, swing man Vernon Philander and veteran Morne Morkel than they have against England.

There is one spot up for grabs in the top six with Cameron Bancroft under pressure to keep his place.

Australia's dominance with the bat means Bancroft is unlikely to bat again this match, leaving his fate completely in the hands of selectors.

The opener made one half-century in eight hits while the manner of his last dismissal, bowled through the gate, will also be a concern for selectors.